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Whirlwind Weekend in California

With a hop, skip, and a jump, I’m en route back to the good old New York City. I spent a quick weekend at home, arriving late Friday. It had been 4.5 months since I was last home but with only 72 hours to spare (if that) I couldn’t really make many plans. That was fine by me and I instead focused on spending my time with the family and Mr. Bodie. I did happen to squeeze in a quick coffee date with one of my best girlfriends from home since she too was in town! She was prepping to go see Beyonce at the Rose Bowl and so we caught up over some Starbucks (obviously it’s my goal to stay hyper-caffeinated).

^^ don’t we make a good duo?

Anyways, on Saturday afternoon, my sister Meghan graduated top of her class, from Claremont McKenna College. We had the whole family drive in from their respective locations to celebrate and sat through a few endless speeches (as most graduations do have) 😉 I did enjoy listening to their commencement speaker – David Remnick, editor of the New Yorker. He had some interesting things to say – somewhat political at times, but I felt that his speech could have been more concise. Meghan and I later attended the Scripps College commencement where we listened to Madeleine Albright, who I thought did a much better job of getting her words of wisdom across. Some of the key takeaways were:

Truth can be a blunt instrument, which can be helpful as well as dangerous

If we aren’t learning, we aren’t living >> there is a great divide between people who are willing to listen versus people who think they know it all

Instead of choosing to listen to people you agree with, or spend time with people who are similar to you, try to listen to those you don’t agree with or help expand your horizons >> it’s imperative to continue to learn

Make this new life an adventure

Good points right?

Later that evening it was family celebration time at Arroyo Chop House. Oh.my.goodness. Quite possibly the best family dinner out that we have had in some time. Meghan and I were both greeted with little orchid arrangements (so I was totally in a wonderful mood and yes I took both home to hang dry in my room) for her graduation and my birthday. We then proceeded to snack on their freshly made sourdough (noms) and put our orders in for dinner.

My dad is a man with a classic order – caesar salad, steak (or split steak + fish) combo – medium, pommes frites and green beans, with a chocolate souffle for dessert. The man has good taste but Meghan and I decided to go rogue and also order a truffle mac and cheese (which I proceeded to finish) and brussels sprouts w/ bacon. Our options for dessert were between the chocolate souffle and grand mariner. We went with the former, but then my aunt told me she usually has the table order both. Ah, now that is a clutch idea for the future! Anyone care to take me on a date there? 😉

On Sunday morning, Meghan and I set out for my last long run before this weekend’s Brooklyn Half Marathon. She was kind enough to keep my pace and we had a good time chatting our way down to the Rose Bowl. The uphill terrain was not nearly as nice (actually struggle city), but landed us with a solid 9.2 miles for the morning. As corny or weird as it sounds, my favorite feeling is post-run or post-workout where (sure things are a bit achey or sore) you feel invincible, strong, and accomplished.

Looking forward to Brooklyn, this is one race where I really don’t have a time-goal in mind. My training hasn’t been consistent and I’m just doing my best to stay healthy prior to NYC Marathon training. Not going to lie, with less than 6 months to go (about 2 months until training begins), the nerves are starting to kick in. Buuuuut we’ll keep that for another time.

The rest of the afternoon was spent fixing up the house, sewing up corn-hole bags (call me Martha Stewart), and prepping for the party. We had most of the family out along with a number of Meghan’s cross country peeps. All of her friends range in age and even across a couple of the other Claremont schools, so it’s always an eclectic bunch 🙂

^^ Catering by Los Gringos Locos for the win (guac by yours truly)

My favorite parts of the weekend had to be walking with my mom and dog, running with my sister around the Rose Bowl (but not enjoying the uphill on Killer Hill), and getting ready for the graduation party. I would have liked to play golf with my Dad but time didn’t allow and so I’ll put that off for when I’m hopefully home during the holidays. To say that leaving home was easy would be a lie. No matter how many times I make the trip, the last day is always the toughest. I don’t like goodbyes (it’s always always always see you later) and the day ends up being so damn long. Trust me, I’m living it up in New York and love it but whenever I’m home, I start to question what I’m doing. Should I be adventuring more, should I be in Southern California, should I be in a completely different type of job. Adulting is tough.

After a nice long chat with my mom, I put things in perspective. My journey is unfolding just as it needs to. Things work out in strange ways and with enough perseverance and drive, we make our life as we please. For now, keep calm and carry on.